62. I'm not clear that it is ok by either side

If you have some links referring to the repubs trying to get rid of it under W, I'd happily read them. I seem to vaguely remember some of that talk, but haven't found the articles yet.

It needs to not be gone. The rights of the minority need to be preserved, because one day the Democrats will be in the minority again.

A lot of the outrage over repub filibusters is being created by Reids actions. More than any majority leader he has filed for cloture on the same day bills are introduced and then blocked amendments offered by the other side. If/when a repub majority leader does that in the future in order to prevent Democrats from having any say in a bill, or having the ability to debate it, or the ability to offer amendments...damn straight I'd expect the Democrat minority at that time to filibuster and fight at every turn.